Former Wrestling Coach Takes Plea Deal In Rock Hill Sex Assault Cases

A former high school wrestling coach has avoided prison after being accused of sexually assaulting two female students.

Bernard Durham, 37, pled guilty Friday to one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Durham was the wrestling coach at Rock Hill High School last year and was the in-school- suspension monitor.

A 19-year-old and a 16-year-old student came forward and accused Durham of cornering them and sexually assaulting them on campus during the school day.

The solicitor's office said Durham was able to plead to the lesser charge because the 19-year-old victim did not want to press charges against him and the 16-year-old victim did not want to endure the emotional pain of testifying in a trial.

Durham received a three-year suspended sentence which he will only serve if he violates a three-year probation.

Under the terms of the probation, Durham cannot be alone with anyone under 18, cannot teach or volunteer at any school, must do 400 hours of community service and must have mental health counseling.

Officials with the Rock Hill school district said he has not been employed there since last school year.

The plea agreement will be on his permanent record as a sex-related offense, though. Durham does not have to register as a sex offender.

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